Plant-Based and Fermented Foods for Gut Health and Colitis

This trial is testing whether a diet based on plant-based and fermented foods can improve gut health and reduce symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), as well as in healthy volunteers. Researchers will look at how these foods affect your gut bacteria and the protective lining of your digestive system. The study compares plant-based alternatives to regular animal-based foods to see which approach supports better gut health.

Many people today eat diets high in processed foods, salt, sugar, and meat, which may contribute to inflammatory diseases of the gut. While plant-based diets are often recommended as healthier, we don't yet know if modern processed plant-based products are truly better than traditional whole foods, or how they affect the gut's protective barrier and beneficial bacteria.